Waste, public health and the test of governance in Lagos

By Patrick Iwelunmor

While I am not a politician and have no desire to be partisan, I have always advocated good governance irrespective of the party in power. What we all desire is a Nigeria where institutions function effectively and government works for the benefit of everyone, regardless of age, gender, religion or ethnicity. The Lagos State Government should act swiftly because public patience is wearing thin. It is unacceptable that residents should have to cover their noses while walking or driving along major roads in one of Africa’s foremost megacities.

The rate at which massive waste dumps are lining Lagos road medians should deeply concern the state government. This disturbing development is making a caricature of the state’s famous reputation as the Centre of Excellence. Excellence cannot coexist with the proliferation of filth. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu should therefore rise to the occasion and address this unsightly situation with the urgency it deserves.

It is important to ask some pertinent questions. Is the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) no longer functioning effectively? Is the state government fully aware of the public health implications of this unfortunate reality? Given the population density of Lagos, the accumulation of refuse across major roads could trigger the outbreak of infectious diseases, and we all understand the consequences of disease transmission in a densely populated environment. With the crushing economic hardship many Lagosians are already facing, coupled with the huge out-of-pocket healthcare expenses borne by the average family, this is certainly not the time to contemplate another public health emergency.

From Alimosho to Oshodi, the same ugly picture “twines me like a snake.” This does not portray Lagos as the cosmopolitan city it prides itself on being. Rather, it points to the possibility of a deeper structural challenge within the state’s waste management system. Whatever the underlying problem may be, it is imperative that the government carries the public along. As of the time of writing, no comprehensive explanation has been offered by the state government. Modern governance should never be an esoGovernanceteric exercise. Citizens deserve timely and transparent explanations on issues that directly affect their lives. This is why effective communication remains an indispensable pillar of good governance.

Governor Sanwo-Olu and his team should move swiftly to resolve this waste crisis, primarily because of its far-reaching public health implications. We cannot afford another disease outbreak when families are already struggling under difficult economic conditions. The Lagos State Commissioner for Information should engage the media and communicate clearly with Lagosians, explaining the factors responsible for the situation and the concrete measures being implemented to resolve it. Public communication not only builds trust but also helps to prevent misinformation, speculation and unnecessary panic. Perhaps some persons in the corridors of power underestimate how quickly public perception can change and how seemingly small issues can shape the mood of the electorate.

I have heard some Lagosians attribute the waste crisis to the failure of the All Progressives Congress as a political party. While everyone is entitled to an opinion, it is hardly surprising that a temporary waste crisis is already being interpreted through a political lens. That is the reality of our democracy. What this means is that the waste crisis could easily be exploited by opposition parties to portray the APC as a party with failure inscribed in its DNA. Whether that perception is fair or not is beside the point. In politics, perception often becomes reality if it is not countered with visible action.

While I am not a politician and have no desire to be partisan, I have always advocated good governance irrespective of the party in power. What we all desire is a Nigeria where institutions function effectively and government works for the benefit of everyone, regardless of age, gender, religion or ethnicity. The Lagos State Government should act swiftly because public patience is wearing thin. It is unacceptable that residents should have to cover their noses while walking or driving along major roads in one of Africa’s foremost megacities.

This is a personal appeal to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to once again demonstrate the responsive leadership for which he has often been commended. Lagosians deserve a cleaner, healthier environment, and they deserve it now.

Patrick Iwelunmor is a Public Policy Analyst.